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CIENA NAMES CHRIS SIMPSON SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, WORLDWIDE SALES

Telecom Sales Executive to Lead CIENA's Growing Global Sales Efforts

Ciena Corporation (CIEN) today announced that Chris Simpson has joined Ciena and will be responsible for Ciena's worldwide sales efforts, reporting to Ciena Chief Operating Officer, Gary Smith.

"Ciena's dramatically increased its global sales presence, growing our sales force by more than 65 percent last year alone, with Ciena optical networking equipment now deployed in nearly 20 countries worldwide," said Ciena's Smith. "Chris' experience spearheading global sales operations makes him the ideal person to lead Ciena's continued quest toward further expansion in this dynamic optical networking market."

Mr. Simpson most recently served as Vice President of Sales, Marketing and International Operations for Harris Corporation's RF Communications. From 1988 to 1998, Simpson held several senior sales and marketing positions at Qualcomm, Inc., including Senior Vice President/General Manager Worldwide Sales and Marketing and Senior Vice President Strategic Marketing.

"Ciena's ideally positioned for what appears to be one of the most exciting markets to emerge in decades," said Simpson. "I'm looking forward to being part of a company that is changing the future of tele- and data-communications worldwide as an acknowledged leader in optical networking. I am also looking forward to leading this dynamic sales team in its efforts to expand Ciena's already impressive sales growth."

Prior to his Qualcomm tenure, Mr. Simpson held management positions at Contel/ASC and ComSat Corporation. Simpson received his B.S. in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.